Median Income
$30,625
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,400
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.0%
428% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Balta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population56
Median Age58.8 yrs
Density243/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans24.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$30,625
Per Capita$25,134
Unemployment19.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$279M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,400
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$206,381
Housing Units48
Rent Burden18.0%
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.1%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain21.0 in/yr
Elevation1,548 ft (472 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+82.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute17 min
Broadband54.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Balta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Balta receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Balta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Balta is $30,625, 59% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Balta is $84,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Balta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.0 inches, including 43.4 inches of snow.
Balta has a population of 56 with a density of 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 58.8 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 24.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56
Total Population
2023 Census
58.8yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Balta is $30,625, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,134 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 242 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $30,625 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,134 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,637 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.0% |
| 428% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 242 |
| County GDP | $279M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Balta is $84,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $2,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,381 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Balta, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Balta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Balta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. Annual precipitation totals 21.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,548 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,548 ft (472 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1662°N, 100.0366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.0"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.83"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
273 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1966 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,371 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
36 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
51 km |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
52 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
52 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
BROWN WF |
1,430 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Balta has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 5°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Balta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $921 |
| Toddler | $842 |
| Preschool | $780 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $677 |
| Toddler | $640 |
| Preschool | $643 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Balta
What is the population of Balta?
Balta has a population of 56 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 243 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Balta expensive to live in?
Balta is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $30,625, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,400 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Balta?
Balta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 21.0 inches, with 43.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Balta?
The job market in Balta faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,065. There are 242 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Balta?
The median home value in Balta is $84,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381. The homeownership rate is 90.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,200.
How are the schools in Balta?
Schools in Balta score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Balta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Balta?
The obesity rate in Balta is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 27.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Balta?
The average commute in Balta is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Balta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Balta is 100% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 24.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.